Diamond Way
The different types of Buddhism
Buddha gave instructions to three main types of people. Those who wanted to avoid suffering received information about cause and effect. Those who wanted to do more for others were given instructions on compassion and wisdom. Where people had a strong trust in their own and other's Buddha-nature, he shared the direct view of mind called the Great Seal (tib. Chagchen, Skt. Mahamudra). The first one of these levels is called the "Small Way" or "Theravada", the second one the "Great Way" or "Mahayana" and the third the "Diamond Way" or "Vajrayana".
The Vajrayana or Diamond Way
Its goal is obtaining the beyond-dualistic state of the Great Seal, where every event is authentic because it expresses mind's unlimited potential. Working from the level of consequence and inspired insight to transform all experience into self-liberating and natural purity, it employs methods of total identification with enlightenment for the quickest results.
When students saw the Buddha not as a god, person, or an outer force, but trusted him as a mirror of their own mind, Buddha could then impart the Diamond Way. Awakening being's qualities through his power and insight, he employed countless skilful means to fully develop them. In essence, this ultimate or 'third' level consists of three approaches: They are called "Way of Methods", "Way of Insight" and "Guru Yoga". Using these, mind may recognise itself either through its energy, its awareness or its power of identification.
Guru Yoga, the most practised method in the West today, contains the broadest approach to enlightenment, if one's teacher is reliable. This also may happen through the ways of method and insight. Although not everybody finds this way suitable, mind is best recognised in daily life through identification with a compassionate Lama who is beyond fear. If one can rest in such a teacher's mind-space until one develops all one's inherent qualities, there will be an amazing growth. |  |
The Diamond Way
is often described
as the crown
Jewel of Buddha's
teaching.
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